ISLAMABAD: In a major breakthrough after Moscow lifted an embargo on arms sales to Islamabad, defence authorities here have finally given the go-ahead for purchase of Mi35M helicopters from Russia.

“The matter remained under consideration for many months. Now we have given Russians final go-ahead for the purchase of these helicopters,” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Dawn.com on Saturday.

The Mi-35M is a multi-purpose transport helicopter for combat missions capable of operating round the clock in mountainous terrain.

The defence minister, in an exclusive talk with dawn.com, said these helicopters would be used in the fight against militants.

“Russia has now placed Pakis­tan in category B from D for arms sales, which means that Pakistan can buy weapons from Russia’s defe­nce market,” Khawaja Asif said.

He brushed aside an impression that the Russian defence minister’s visit to Pakistan might annoy New Delhi and Washington, saying that Islamabad-Moscow ties were not “at the cost of our relations with any other country”.

He termed it independent diplomacy, adding that Rus­sia is a regional power and Pakistan cannot ignore it.

“After US-Nato forces withdrawal from Afghanis­tan, security will be a bigger challenge for Afghanistan. So Pakistan wants Russian engagement in the Afghan peace process,” Khawaja Asif said. “We must forget what Russia did in the past and look forward to a new beginning in the region.”

“Pakistan sees Russia and China’s presence in the region as a source of peace and stability. This is why all three are getting closer on strategic matters,” Khawaja Asif remarked.

On relations with India, he said Moscow’s top defence official was briefed about the situation on eastern borders and relations with India.

Published in Dawn, November 23th , 2014